Chassis No. BS 535

Engine No. BS 179

SIATA (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori) established itself as a prominent tuning presence in the Italian automotive scene during the mid-20th century. Founded in Turin by Giorgio Ambrosini in 1926, the company initially specialized in tuning and producing performance parts for Fiat, later building its reputation through its own low-volume models after World War II.

The firm's relationship with Fiat proved pivotal when the automaker conceived a plan to build a sedan for the American market. Recognizing that their small 569-cc four-cylinder "Topolino" would not appeal to American buyers, Fiat developed an all-new, lightweight 2.0-liter V8 engine with Siata's input. When the sedan design was ultimately shelved, both the remarkable Tipo 104 engine and Tipo 106 chassis were salvaged from the endeavor, providing the foundation for what would become Fiat's high-performance 8V "Otto Vu" sports car. Despite going on to dominate the Italian GT championship five years in a row from 1954-1958, the 8V sold slowly in the challenging post-war economy, with just 114 being built.

Fortunately for Siata, Fiat offered these remaining 8V engines to power cars of their own design. This opportunity would lead to the creation of Siata's most celebrated model: the 208. Debuting in 1952 as a two-door coupe dubbed the 208CS, the car featured technically sophisticated tubular ladder chassis construction with independent suspension at all four corners. Siata enhanced Fiat's 8V engine with revised cylinder heads, performance-oriented cams, and a custom exhaust, boosting output to approximately 125 horsepower delivered to the rear wheels through an advanced five-speed manual transmission.

Its open counterpart, the 208S, followed shortly thereafter with Siata tapping Giovanni Michelotti to design its elegant body, which was then hand-crafted in aluminum by the skilled artisans at Carrozzeria Motto. The result was nothing short of spectacular-a study in minimalist elegance that remains one of the most arrestingly beautiful creations from the early 1950s. Its lightweight bodywork, paired with its high-torque V8 and cutting-edge chassis, made it a true giant killer in the 2.0-liter class-becoming a popular contender in SCCA competition, securing 3rd in class in the 1952 Mille Miglia, and winning its class and finishing 7th overall at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Total production accounted for just 53 examples of the 208, with only 35 of those being Spiders (33 built by Motto with two prototypes by Bertone). The particular Spider presented here, chassis number BS 535, holds special significance as the final example of the Motto-bodied Spider in the production sequence, additionally benefiting from a factory-equipped five-speed transmission with taller final gearing and corresponding top speed. It is certainly one of the finest examples extant, benefiting from long-term periods of stewardship from devoted marque enthusiasts.

Chassis BS 535 was sold new in Italy in 1954, and like many Spiders, quickly made its way to the United States. In spring 1956, the car found its first long-term home with U.S. Air Force Captain Celce based in Boston, Massachusetts. Following Captain Celce's 12-year ownership, during which it reportedly spent some time in England where he was later posted, the car returned to the United States where it enjoyed the dry, preservative climates of Arizona and New Mexico in the early 1960s. In 1965, the Spider passed to Franklin T. Sweet of the General Photo Products Co. in Newton, New Jersey.

Previous research suggests that Sweet initiated a restoration of chassis BS 535, with correspondence between Sweet, Fiat New York, and Siata said to document his inquiries about the availability of spare parts. Perhaps unable to source the parts needed to restore the rare "Otto Vu" Fiat engine, the project is thought to have remained incomplete for most of the 1970s and 1980s, before Sweet made the pragmatic decision to replace the original engine with a Ford V8. Around this time, the car was purchased by marque enthusiast Walter Eisenstark who initially enjoyed the Siata with its Ford powerplant. However, fortune intervened when renowned specialist Jarl de Boer contacted the new owner with extraordinary news-he had located the car's original engine. This serendipitous discovery prompted the decision to reunite the chassis and engine and undertake a comprehensive restoration.

The project initially began under de Boer's guidance, but after fourteen years with limited progress, the owner made the decision to transfer the car to Nino Epifani's prestigious restoration facility in Berkeley, California. During this comprehensive rebuild, the car was reunited with its original, matching-numbers engine, as well as a correct five-speed synchromesh Siata gearbox. The exhaustive effort reportedly approached $200,000 invested in total and saw the Siata triumphantly return to the road in early 2007.

The Spider made its post-restoration debut at the 12th Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, where it immediately impressed judges and spectators alike, earning Best in Class in the Pre-1954 Sports Cars category. Subsequently in 2009, after 27 years of devoted custody by Mr. Eisenstark, chassis BS 535 was purchased by noted collector and concours participant Jim Utaski of Skillman, New Jersey. Utaski returned the Spider to Epifani for further concours-level refinishing to original specifications, which was immediately validated at the highest echelons of the collector car world. BS 535 achieved Best in Class honors at the 61st Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2011 (also earning an award for Design Elegance), Most Elegant Open Car at the Kuwait Concours d'Elegance in 2012, and the prestigious Premio d'Onore award at the 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Concluding this enviable streak of concours successes was a further Best in Class award at the 19th Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2014 before passing to the current owner the following year.

Chassis BS 535, with its matching-numbers engine, highly detailed restoration, international accolades, and unparalleled rarity as the last of the 33 Motto-bodied Spiders validates its status as perhaps the finest example extant. Whether destined to return to the world's most exclusive concours fields, or to demonstrate the Otto Vu's responsive acceleration and Siata's renowned handling in historic rallies, this stunning Siata 208S Spider provides an unmatched combination of rarity and usability that firmly establishes it among the most desirable Italian sports cars of its era.

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